Compassion abounds for Roberts

GRIPPING tightly to her dolls, Shaylee Hanson watched proudly as members of her family carried box after box into the dimly lit room.

At just five Shaylee has new insight into loss after her parents told her the story of another little girl, Jordan Roberts, who lost all her belongings when her Bli Bli home burnt down last Tuesday.

Sad for Jordan, Shaylee spent Friday night going through her own toys and clothes, specially selecting gifts to give to a girl she had never met.

Michelle Hanson, Shaylee’s mum, said her family did not know the Roberts family but wanted to help because they could not comprehend their loss.

“To lose everything is just something none of us could imagine. We heard about what happened through friends and wanted to help out,” Michelle said.

“When Shaylee asked what would happen if our house burnt down it really hit home.”

Yesterday a steady stream of people filtered through the doors of the Nambour Crushers clubhouse, armed with boxes and bags of goods to help Sherry Roberts and her children Isaac and Jordan get back on their feet.

The rally was organised by the club, which footy mad Isaac represents in the junior ranks.

Club spokesman James Ward said the response to the family’s plight had been overwhelming.

“Everybody has been so generous with what they’ve donated to help out,” Mr Ward said.

“A considerable amount of in-kind donations were made as well as cash and vouchers.”

Yesterday marked another special occasion – Isaac’s eighth birthday – and, thanks to the generosity of the Sunshine Coast community, his party went off with a bang.

Isaac was inundated with toys, gift vouchers and tickets to local attractions, but the highlight of the day was knowing a Parramatta Eels jersey was on its way.

A family friend said the generosity shown to the family by absolute strangers had been astounding.

“It’s helping restore their faith in human beings,” the man said.

An Isaac and Jordan Fire Appeal bank account has been set up by the ANZ bank. To donate you can go into any ANZ branch from Gympie to Caboolture and mention the appeal.